Just A Few Thoughts

I have gradually been headed down this path. I have come to the conclusion that, even though I am faster, more thorough, and don't mind the work, I make far more money having someone else doing the work. Because of hat, I have developped systems and plans that will enable me to achieve a couple of goals, that will make my life far better. I will probably be working harder then ever, but I doubt I am going to be physically exhausted at the end of the day.

That being said, I am also coming to the realization that I can no longer work like I used too. That is a motivating, and compelling factor to come to the other mortality moments.
 
Scott Stone said:
I have gradually been headed down this path. I have come to the conclusion that, even though I am faster, more thorough, and don't mind the work, I make far more money having someone else doing the work. Because of hat, I have developped systems and plans that will enable me to achieve a couple of goals, that will make my life far better. I will probably be working harder then ever, but I doubt I am going to be physically exhausted at the end of the day.

That being said, I am also coming to the realization that I can no longer work like I used too. That is a motivating, and compelling factor to come to the other mortality moments.
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Its weird, you get off the wand and yes you'll be working harder running it all. Good luck, your guys will do fine
 
Some guys stopped doing the physical end when they were young and today some of them are pretty darn successful.. My past Police Partner is like that as is Ron Musgraves. Both started there respected businesses in there teens and both stop doing the work almost immiedetly. Today my "Old Partner" who's 6 yrs younger then me has retired as a cop on his 20th year to the day and his business has skyrocketed for years. He's not even near the "Sharpest" tool in the shed but he did something that was very smart in the labor intensive field..... he just stopped doing it very young.

I'm like alot of guys here like what Doug Rucker says above... I always liked to Powerwash. Hanging off of houses or buildings or doing wood restoration(Without the staining part)... I loved it. I just don't do that part anymore and its sad to me because physically your body just can't take the beatings day in and day out.

I keep my main truck the Flatbed running and looking great but I never drive it. I haven't since I bought it back and even before I sold it. I love seeing that truck go out everyday but even today its hard to let that go especially when your an equipment junky and you like doing it.

Some guys I know stayed in the physical end all of there lives and they love it...... but.... If you can release that and not STRESS over it because stress is the biggest killer... there's nothing better then your guys bringing home the bacon for you and yours.
 
Doug Rucker said:
I agree Chris, except the hate washing part. I actually love doing the washing part. But, I keep hearing comments "Nobody Can do the job like I do" "or nobody is as detailed as I am" and things like that and I just don't buy it. My question is, why is that? My belief is that Yes, someone can. But it has to be the right person and he/she has to be trained properly. We were all trained at some point or, eventually just got it, or just picked it up, but to say that no one will ever do it as good as me just can't be true.

To me it's all about repetition. You train someone and have them repeat the processes and procedures and they eventually get it. Some it takes more time than others. Sometimes it really works out great that they are actually better than us.
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Doug I couldnt agree more and find it a common thought flaw for self employeed people, I run a painting buisness and am starting to go after washing residential hard this year, well I havnt painted in years, and I know when I used to do all the work myself I would always think that way "no one does it as good as me", well I have 5 guys that all can out brush roll and spray me, and can work a 12 hr day all week long, not me, maybe when I was in my twenties but being in my mid 40's I no longer think that way, same with PW I have one guy that does most all my washing I spend a couple days in the week washing with him so I know it inside and out, but he is way faster then me, and when it comes to a tricky ladder moves to clean gutters or something he is the one going up the ladder. Off course he has been with me as a painter for 6 years so he was already a great employee. Finding people who care is the key ane finding the first one is the hard part took me about 20 guys before I kept one.
 
Scott Stone said:
I have gradually been headed down this path. I have come to the conclusion that, even though I am faster, more thorough, and don't mind the work, I make far more money having someone else doing the work. Because of hat, I have developped systems and plans that will enable me to achieve a couple of goals, that will make my life far better. I will probably be working harder then ever, but I doubt I am going to be physically exhausted at the end of the day.

That being said, I am also coming to the realization that I can no longer work like I used too. That is a motivating, and compelling factor to come to the other mortality moments.
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That pretty much sums it up for me Scott. Getting from behind the wand doesn't mean you're gonna be able to sit back and take it easy, just means you're gonna have to bust your tail in another area of your business.

I feel that if I don't "Get Out" we will be losing a lot of "Profit Potential". I also love washing, don't mind it a bit. But what about the next job, and the next, and the next? I can't keep it rolling if I'm not out there doing what I really enjoy and that's SELLING. I really like being in front of the Customer, explaining our processes, answering they're questions & closing the deal.

June marked my first year as a Full Time Business Owner, first time I've had more than 2 people on the payroll, more than likely be our best year ever.... Got to ask myself how much better it could be if I was "Out".
 
Mark 8262 said:
JC, you should hire that guy in Fairhope, I hear he's not too bad. You probably will only have to train him a week or two. I think his name is Russ or something like that
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That guy is way to expensive for me.You know it's hard to train old guys anyway.

I really only work my sons anyway.I grew my own help and trained them for a long time.Really proud of my kids.My oldest son texted me last year from college and thanked me for making them work and doing things right the first time.He said he couldn't believe the guys that were there that couldn't do anything without help and whining and complaining about having to work hard.(This was during football camp).

Hey by the way call me I want to ask you about a job in Daphne.251-510-9508
 
You have met my Key people and know that at the end of the day good people being paid fairly can help you. I wish you luck, I have been telling you for a long time. I know the reasons where your own Choice to stay working because you will feel disconnected.

You will feel something new once you take the step, the challenge of building something really sustaining.

Like always I wish you success, I know Luck will play very little into your plan.


Scott Stone said:
I have gradually been headed down this path. I have come to the conclusion that, even though I am faster, more thorough, and don't mind the work, I make far more money having someone else doing the work. Because of hat, I have developped systems and plans that will enable me to achieve a couple of goals, that will make my life far better. I will probably be working harder then ever, but I doubt I am going to be physically exhausted at the end of the day.

That being said, I am also coming to the realization that I can no longer work like I used too. That is a motivating, and compelling factor to come to the other mortality moments.
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Interesting Post.....I am amazed that some people enjoy the manual aspect of the business. I get the "sense of accomplishment", but I get that from other aspects of running a business. I get more enjoyment from knowing that I have multiple crews running around cleaning, while I sleep, while I focus on other things, while I am at my kids football/soccer/baseball/swim practice and games, on vacation, etc.

I know guys that are ready to hire someone else to do the work so they can focus on the growth and the future.

I guess I look at it like this, if you are washing and running the biz, it is much more difficult to expand.

But then again, I guess some people really do love the work and want to do it forever.
 
There's this thing called mortality. We are all getting older. I have almost blown it with my children, but I will have grand children and I won't screw that up! Anyone ever been a landlord? That is an expensive house you are leaving there which can be destroyed in no time. That's why you have insurance. Same here, you have to have systems and a screening process. Once you screen your people to a certain degree and you have honest and interested people who have the aptitude needed, you give em' plenty of rope or just turn em' loose. What they do with that rope is up to them. You don't have to be there to make sure they are doing properly you have a system of check and balances. It is like falling in love, when it happens you just know it. Everywhere you turn this business is about relationships and to be a great leader means relationships. You will find great people if you try. Like everything else, you have to define what that great person is. You have to believe in your people and trust them, as soon as they sense your lack of confidence in them it becomes a self fulfilling prophecy. How many times have you felt like you were not trusted or been accused or suspected of something wrongly. Heck, I got charged with evading arrest in my teenage years just because I was speeding on my motorcycle (145 mph babay:p). The next time you betcha, I took the first right turn and the cop never saw me again. I even used my turn signal just to rub it in. "Now THAT's evading", I said to my friends afterward. I cooperated with them the first time and they chose to be dishonest (Or I felt so). Cooperation is a beautiful thing. It's what teamwork is made of and a leader will build a team through leading by example and cooperation with their employees. You have to start with the right people. People who respect and hold a high value to others is a good place to start.

Guy, I believe that may be the missing piece of your puzzle and you are all over it dude! We need someone who has the master screening and training process. Having a set way of doing things is important in a company so employees can be confident they are doing what's right. Convey your message over and over again through different types of media and show through your leaders the examples your employees need to follow. There's more...
 
Hows it going guy?
Guy Blackmon said:
There's been a lot of talk about "Getting Out From Behind The Wand". I find myself in this position and feel my time is almost there. So I wanted to share some thoughts about "When The Time Is Right". This is not a "Dig" at anyone or any situation. I am not this most knowledgeable or successful Contractor here, but we are gaining ground daily and have done quite well to be in business for 5 years now.

First as a Business owner only you will know when that time is right. You were smart enough to build a Business, you will be smart enough to know when to step away from the wand.

Employees are the ones that will allow you to do this...Fully Trained Employees, and this takes time. Your Senior Wash Tech, Crew Leader, whatever should be as knowledgeable (Or More) as you. He will be the key to leaving the wand. You will have to have complete confidence in him as the Leader of his crew and the face of your Business in front of the Customer, remember you won't be there. He is the one that will be responsible for the job being done correctly, and the one responsible if it is not.

Equipment, whatever aspect of washing you do, you've got to have the proper equipment. If you have a large project, 1 or 2 four gpm machines ain't gonna get it. Have a back up unit for the back up unit, and the parts to support your equipment. The break down of a machine because of a $50.00 part can cost you thousands of dollars in down time and productivity.

Don't bite off more than you can chew. Listen to that little voice in your head, he got you to where you're at. Don't be afraid to say you can't do the job, or you can do it but will need some outside help. Be smart and push the ego aside.

Have A Plan. Whether building a Business or starting a project....Have A Plan before you start. Write it down like you're writing a novel. Where to start, where to stop, problem areas, precautions, etc. This should be something that you and your crew leader will be on the same page with, and should probably be written together with him (Or Her).

Letting Go should be a smart Business Decision and not "Peer Pressure" this should not be rushed by anything or anyone.

The Business Plan I wrote in '05 says that I would be full time this year, I am. Projected revenue was exceeded in June. Business Plan says that I should be able to step away in 2 more years. The Plan hasn't failed me yet, so I'll stick to the Plan.

Plan For Success, Not Failure.


Please add any thoughts or advice to guys that may be planing to step away.

Thanks.
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Going Great Ron! I've turned over the washing part of the business to my Son Cody. We had a long talk about expectations and the need to make sure quality control would never suffer. He has exceeded all all the goals we set together. This has allowed me to get out and sell, and this has worked out great too. We added 8 properties last month, and 2 new property management companies. We start 2 crews this month with 6 large properties on the books.

We're Blessed to have a really good year so far.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 
Guy Blackmon said:
Going Great Ron! I've turned over the washing part of the business to my Son Cody. We had a long talk about expectations and the need to make sure quality control would never suffer. He has exceeded all all the goals we set together. This has allowed me to get out and sell, and this has worked out great too. We added 8 properties last month, and 2 new property management companies. We start 2 crews this month with 6 large properties on the books.

We're Blessed to have a really good year so far.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
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Thats great Guy
 
Chris reminds me of Cody in many ways Tony & there are days that working with your Son can be quite hard, but I never started this business for myself it's always something that one day would his. It's a long story that dates back to a promise my Dad made to me, but unfortunately couldn't follow through with because of health problems.

Having his crew out working freed me up to do what I like to do best.........Sell. So far it's working out pretty well.
 
Getting from behind the wand sucks. I have put on 20 pounds in the past few months, since I sit behind a desk most of the day.

Funny story. I had a guy break down out in the field. Since I am the person that usually knows the most about the machines, I ran out to help him out. I got out to him, and quickly repaired his machine. He said, "I want to see you clean this stop". Little did I realize the talk in the shop that would happen after I cleaned a simple bus stop. I guess I smoked what anyone else can do, with better quality, and my employee made it known that Scott "has skills".
A couple of weeks ago I took a group out to do a large job. (It was cool leading a group of seven nearly indentical trucks to a job) I took them out in my truck, then ran back and got a wash truck, because there wasn't one available when I left the first time. I got back, and started washing, got calls whenever someone else had a problem,(we were spread out over about 300 acres of park lands) and still managed to do more area then anyone else. I won a lot of respect on that one, too. The best part is, that they were hurting, because they had never done a large area like that before, and I was relatively unaffected, except my shoulders had not hurt like that in a while. Another downside to getting from behind the wand.
 
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